Jay-Z hits back at retirement calls

Jay-Z has dismissed claims that he should stand down from the music industry to make way for other artists.

The 39-year-old star confirmed that he has no intention of giving on hip-hop and is excited about the forthcoming release of his 11th studio album The Blueprint 3.

In an interview with Billboard, Jay-Z commented: "I hear it all the time: 'Yo, he should let the young guys, the new generation of guys come in'. But you don't become the frontrunner in music because someone lets you. You have to claim your shoes."

Speaking of his continuing success, he added: "If you grow up listening to hip-hop, you love hip-hop and that's the end of it. But if you're a 30-year-old rapper still trying to make music like you're 15, then you're making it narrow.

"At my age, I can't relate to a 15-year-old. I deal with mature and relevant topics for my age group - it has to all be based on true emotions. The more diversity and the more mature we make hip-hop, the bigger the net you cast."

Jay-Z is expected to personally deliverThe Blueprint 3 to his record label in London this week in an attempt to avoid song leaks.